Chapter 7: Let the Reckoning Begin

He looked back at Vivian Hale, knowing she was here today to renew the patent contract.

Thinking of that outdated technology, a trace of impatience flashed in his eyes. He adopted a tone of self-righteous justification: "You’re at home all day and don't know the situation at the company. She’s just a newcomer this year. Newcomers are inexperienced and don't have your depth of history. You should be more tolerant; after all, everyone was a newcomer once, weren't they?"

Despite Vivian being prepared, her heart still stifled at the instinctive way Adrian Cross defended Tiffany Rose.

Had Adrian forgotten that she was only twenty-four this year?

She was barely two years older than Tiffany.

Furthermore, Zenith Corp was built with her blood and sweat as well.

She curled her lips into a smile, hidden beneath a mask of irony. As if blind to Tiffany’s provocative gaze, she spoke slowly: "You're right, honey. I feel much more at ease knowing you have someone like her by your side."

Seeing her soft attitude, Adrian didn't give it another thought.

Vivian couldn't live without him, and she never came to the office except for patent matters.

At this thought, Adrian broke into a smile.

He pointedly pushed Tiffany aside, walked over to Vivian, and affectionately pinched her cheek. "Was it legal looking for you? Go home and rest early once you've signed. You look beautiful today. I know I haven't spent enough time with you lately. I’ll get to work now and come home early tonight to make it up to you."

Vivian kept her eyes lowered.

She couldn't pinpoint when it started, but Adrian’s kindness toward her had begun to feel like an act of charity.

Suppressing the desolation in her heart, she put on a submissive front: "Okay, I’ll do as you say, honey."

Seeing this once proud and noble woman becoming so obedient only for him, Adrian’s breath hitched.

A massive surge of possessiveness washed over him.

Looking at Vivian’s flushed, soft lips, he almost couldn't control the urge to kiss her right there, despite the inappropriate setting.

But then, remembering her body, he felt an instinctive repulsion.

Damn it, he had really been triggered by that person lately.

Finally, he flashed Vivian a smile and turned to head toward the CEO's office.

Tiffany was fuming with jealousy. She let out a soft huff and prepared to follow Adrian.

The next second, however, Vivian blocked her path.

The woman’s lips curved upward, her voice as calm as a still lake: "Miss Rose, I have a few words for you."

Tiffany stopped in her tracks.

She was already dissatisfied with the intimacy between Adrian and Vivian.

Now, looking at Vivian’s face—as radiant as a blooming flower—a spark of spiteful envy flashed in Tiffany’s eyes.

She pointedly straightened her posture, playing the part of a stubborn, innocent "white lotus": "Does Mrs. Cross have more instructions? Please, go ahead. I’m all ears."

Neither rushed nor angered, Vivian said composedly: "I wouldn't call them instructions. I’ve simply heard that you’ve been coordinating work directly with President Cross lately?"

"That's right. President Cross says I’m young and sharp. He wants me to stay by his side and learn well, saying I'll surely achieve great things in the future."

She didn't blush at all while praising herself.

The onlookers, who had begun to disperse, slowed their pace again upon hearing this.

Ruby was the first to bristle: "You..."

Before she could finish, Vivian gently pressed her hand.

Her gaze remained on Tiffany, and she suddenly gave a brilliant smile: "It’s clear Miss Rose is very talented. I know my husband; I rarely see him admire someone this much. With you by his side, I'm sure you can help him solve many of his troubles."

Tiffany grew even more arrogant, her disdain for Vivian deepening.

She thought Vivian was nothing special—neither as young nor as capable as herself, and physically flawed to boot. All she had left was that face.

Vivian, acting as if she noticed nothing, took two vouchers from her bag: "He hasn't been coming home lately because of the project, and I've been worried. I happen to have two reservation vouchers for the window seats at his favorite restaurant. Since you’re coordinating work with him, don't let him go hungry. You can accompany him there to eat."

Tiffany was momentarily stunned, unable to believe her ears.

"Me?"

Vivian looked perfectly natural: "Yes. He has a sensitive stomach, so I’ll have to trouble you to look after him."

This gesture was generous to a fault.

Tiffany felt a moment of hesitation, but it vanished the moment she saw the restaurant's name.

The city's top-ranked Black Pearl restaurant, with a minimum spend of fifteen thousand per person!

She had wanted to go for a long time, but the restaurant was members-only.

She had begged Adrian, but he had turned her down several times.

She knew it was only because that was the place Vivian frequently accompanied him to.

Vivian still held some status in his heart, after all.

And now Vivian was handing it over on a silver platter.

What a fool.

In that instant, Tiffany’s contempt for her reached its peak.

She took a deep breath and took the vouchers from Vivian with feigned nonchalance: "Taking care of President Cross’s daily needs is indeed part of my job... Since that’s the case, I’ll handle it. Mrs. Cross needn't worry."

"That’s wonderful."

Vivian spoke with such sincerity it seemed as though she truly suspected nothing.

Her vanity immensely satisfied, Tiffany ran a hand through her long hair and turned to enter Adrian’s office.

This scene made many bystanders grit their teeth in frustration.

Yet Vivian remained smiling, looking completely unbothered.

Ruby couldn't take it anymore and whispered: "President Hale, you are a distinguished contributor to this group. If you wanted to, you could bypass President Cross and fire her directly..."

Vivian shook her head slightly, cutting her off.

"No need. Things are quite good as they are."

Only if Tiffany had the chance to cling tightly to Adrian could her plan proceed smoothly.

She was moving house soon; she didn't want Adrian bumping into her.

Seeing that she couldn't be persuaded, Ruby and the others didn't press further.

Once the crowd had thinned out.

Vivian pushed open the door to the Legal Department.

"I didn't come here today to sign."

"There’s still nearly a month left. It’s better to wait until the patent expires, draft a new contract based on a 20% increase over market price, and then have President Cross come to sign it with me in person."

"Oh, and one more thing. President Cross is very busy lately. Wait until the time comes to tell him..."

Once, when she was at her most vulnerable, Adrian hadn't minded her flaws and chose to propose to her.

In her gratitude, she had given him this patent in exchange.

She thought their love would last forever.

She didn't expect it to turn rotten to the core in just three years.

In that case, from this moment on, they would settle accounts clearly.

When the time came, he would have to pay back all those dividends he owed her.

...

As night fell, the city lights sparkled like jewels.

Tiffany had specifically changed into a pearl-white cocktail dress, while Adrian, sitting beside her, was still in his suit from earlier, his face the picture of distraction.

He only realized what was happening after arriving.

What on earth was Vivian thinking, arranging for him to eat with Tiffany?

As a spouse, who would willingly hand their partner over to someone else!

Could it be that she had noticed something?

Adrian was restless.

Tiffany, completely oblivious, clung to his arm and acted spoiled.

"Adrian, you're so amazing. I can't believe you have a membership at a Black Pearl restaurant. I've never been to a place like this before!"

Adrian snapped back to reality, meeting Tiffany’s adoring gaze.

Her joy and anticipation were undisguised, as if this dinner were the most important event of her life.

Whatever.

Who else could Vivian rely on besides him?

Besides, she had no evidence; she couldn't make a scene even if she wanted to.

There was no need for him to overthink it; he might as well enjoy the moment.

Suddenly feeling gratified, Adrian’s large hand stroked her slender waist.

He leaned down and whispered ambiguously into Tiffany’s ear: "As long as you're obedient, I'll give you anything."

Tiffany’s cheeks flushed. She gave his chest a playful, coy punch, her eyes full of flirtatious charm.

"You're terrible. Let's just eat first."

As they took their seats, the waiter specifically lit candles for them.

Everything looked so romantic.

...

On the other side, Vivian had just stepped out of the shower when she received a WeChat message from her best friend, Pearl.

"Vivian, are you really going to let this scumbag and his mistress bully you like this?"

Attached below was a photo.